High Performance Fracture Fluid Outperforms Conventional Low-Polymer Borates

A High-Performance Fracturing Fluid (HPF) has led to a step change in the completion process of the San-Andres reservoir in Andrews County, Texas. Recent development in fluid technology has resulted in the introduction of a unique fracturing fluid that is less damaging to the formation, has excellent proppant transportability, and requires no breakers. Despite very robust and stable rheological properties during pumping, HPF returns to its original viscosity shortly after closure with no internal breakers. The unique properties of this fluid will be discussed along with case history information. Additionally, the paper will attempt to explain well performance compared to wells in the same field that were fractured with conventional low-polymer loading borates. The distinctive properties of this fluid will be presented, along with a discussion of the retained conductivity of the fracture. Case histories of this field show better return on investment using this fluid.